The framework of administrative operation is based on the evolution of public policy. This is the sphere of politics and governance, of which bureaucracy is an integral part. The growth and harmony of the executive and legislature provide the foundation for the administration in operation. But does this task belong to the administrative sphere, independent of public policy? The play of public policy appears in the quality of the rule of law. It defines the role of representation, participation and equity in administrative acts. Politicisation of administration emerged during the internal emergency of the 1970s and has grown in dimension and intensity. Administration led the way to post-colonial democratic welfare system and then to socialist growth with social justice. Was the administration responsible for the creeping distortions or has the system outgrown its premise? In either case, why is there so much misgiving about administrative attitude and effort in steering post-socialist, post-welfare system? Is it the persistence of the repeatedly mentioned colonial mindset? If so, what happened to the post-colonial grassroots bureaucracy or the ring of specialised, technical and scientific bodies/systems that delivers development? This volume is an exploration of Indian administration and how it can be equipped to facilitate change and is a must read for policy-makers, interest groups involved in seeking better service delivery, NGOs, academics, industrialist, traders, and students.
